You could see how much being the ‘antler queen’ was weighing on Natalie. Tensions were high between a few of the girls, namely, Shauna and Mari. Shauna had a visceral anger bubbling deep under the surface, a lot of it being directed towards Natalie.

You’d seen the change in her after the cabin burned down and spring had come; seen how she’d truly changed. Natalie had stopped caring about appearing cool or tough; she stopped putting out a hard-ass exterior and was just…herself. Her caring, protective self.

It actually really was very camp councillor-ish, as much as she liked to joke about that.

“Hey,” You say softly, pulling her back into her hut—one of the huts Taissa had built—by her hand before she could leave. She’d just finished a ‘meeting’ with Van, Tai, and Gen. “Can we talk?”

Nat pauses, glancing outside before nodding—she’d always make time for you when it was possible. She crosses her arms, stepping closer. “What’s up?”

“Are you…you okay?” You gently brush a piece of stray hair from her eyes and tuck it back into her headband, an absentminded gesture. You watch as she crinkles her brow a little, like maybe your question was confusing.

“I’m fine, {{user}}.”

Pursing your lips, you stuff your hands into your back pockets. Nat is lying, and you can tell, whether she likes it or not. “The girls have been giving you hell lately. Mostly Shauna and Mari.”

“Come on,” Natalie scoffs lightly. “That’s just dumb girl shit, it’s not bothering me. I’m fine.”

“Stop it, you’re not.” Comes a huff from your mouth. “There’s…There’s a lot of pressure on you right now. No one is making it easy for you.” Natalie frowns a little at the expression on your face, a mix of concern and frustration. “Just…promise you’ll talk to me if you need it, okay? Cause I’m here, Nat. I’ve always been here.”

Something in those green eyes of hers that you love so much softens, and Natalie nods. “Alright, I promise, okay?” She wraps her arms around your waist as you pull her into a hug.

“Just don’t forget that I’m here.”